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Concrete sealers are designed to protect the concrete from wear and tear in addition to the provision of chemical and stain resistance for concrete. They come in water-based and solvent-based varieties both of which act as protective and decorative coats for concrete. These sealers furthermore add to the aesthetics aspect of concrete, for instance, with their application, the
Both water-based sealer and solvent based sealer may be similar in certain characteristics such as durability, toughness, ease of application, and ultraviolet resistance. However, they are different when it comes to their composition, appearance, handling, and gas emission. A contractor should be familiar with their differences and similarities in order to select the best option for concrete surface under considerations.
Table 1 Differences between water based concrete sealer and solvent based concrete sealer
| Water based concrete sealer | Solvent based concrete sealer |
| It contains low volatile organic compound (less than 100 grams per liter) which is desired by contractors since it releases less gas compared to solvent based sealer | It contains high volatile organic compound (more than 400 grams per liter) and hence releases detrimental gases that might deteriorate health of occupants and animals around |
| Regulation trend is toward concrete sealer with low volatile organic compound that is why water based concrete sealer is desirable | In contrary, this type of sealer is not desirable with high volatile organic compound |
| Polymer particle is dispersed in water, and the water would evaporate after the sealer is applied to concrete surface as in Fig.1, consequently polymer particles move closer together and eventually generating a continuous clear coating | Polymer particles are not separate but rather both polymer and solvent create a continuous clear polymer solution, and when solvent evaporates, the polymer chains are drawn closer together and eventually intertwine. |
| It appears milky white upon its application, and tend to provide a lower-gloss, matte finish after curing process ended | Upon its utilization as illustrated in Fig. 2, it penetrates into concrete very well and tend to wet-out. Consequently, the finish would be glossier and improves concrete color |
| Nonflammable, no strong solvent odor, and allow for quick and easy clean-up once the application is complete. These features are invaluable for busy contractor | It releases gases accompanied by odor and its cleaning creates problems for contractor. So, it is problematic for indoor applications |
| It is suitable choice when restrictive regulations are applied | It may not be accepted when restrictive regulations are used |
| It is not as slippery as solvent based concrete sealer | It is considerably slippery even if grip additives are added |
| It is cost effective compared to solvent based concrete sealer | Its cost is much higher than water based concrete sealer |
